A PAIR OF GEORGE III GILTWOOD AND GILT-GESSO WALL APPLIQUES

Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a fil… Read more

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT COLLECTION FORMED BY R. W. SYMONDS FOR MR. & MRS. JACK STEINBERG (LOTS 283-284 & 287-288)The furniture historian, author and advisor, Robert Wemyss Symonds (1889-1958), dominated the field of collecting, just as he dominated writing about English furniture, in the middle of the twentieth century. Between 1921 and 1958 his five major books and countless articles formed and then reflected the taste of a generation. Among those he advised on their collections were Percival Griffiths (d. 1938) and J.S. Sykes, much of their furniture being used to illustrate his books. Another collector he advised was Samuel Messer, whose landmark sale took place at Christie's in December 1991. When finding furniture for his clients, Symonds laid particular emphasis on original patination, a well-balanced design and good quality carving and timber. Unlike many collectors today where the provenance is paramount, Symonds' primary concern was that the piece stood on its own merits, with or without an illustrious background. It was not just furniture that Symonds sourced for his clients; his net was cast far wider as can be seen by the collection he formed for Mr. and Mrs. Jack Steinberg for their home in Portland Place, some of which is offered in this sale. The survival of a huge number of bills and the accompanying invoices give a clear picture of his hand in decorating a large London residence. On the 8 July 1947 his bill reads: 'Fee and expenses advising you and arranging for the purchase of old English furniture, shades, electric light fittings, silver and porcelain ... 10% on £4394.16s 1d ... £439'. In January the following year the bill for 'upholstery' is £278, while a year later he charges for '... advising you on the purchase of Oil Painting; designing marble chimneypiece in a bedroom; and also advising you on the purchase of stools, etc. ... £72 8s 0d.' It is obvious that Symonds was entirely responsible for every detail in the house, even down to 'instructing Malletts about repairs and polishing of furniture'. The great names in antique dealing appear in the cache of invoices, including Mallett, Partridge, Moss Harris, Blairman, and J.M.Botibol. Symonds personally endorsed the furniture bought on each dealer's receipt. Among the highlights of the furniture purchased for this collection is a George II mahogany tripod table inlaid with brass and mother-of-pearl, attributed to Frederick Hintz, and an early George III serpentine commode made from prized Chinese lacquer panels, that corresponds closely to the commodes at Uppark, Sussex, which are attributed to Pierre Langlois, both acquired from Moss Harris in 1946 and 1947 respectively. A pair of mid-18th century mahogany stools bought from Ronald Lee in 1948 are fitted with verde antico slabs to form low tables, Symonds pragmatic answer to the modern fashion for suitable occasional tables. Symonds typically favoured French furniture for the principal bedroom such as the Louis XV marquetry commode by Louis-Noel Malle. Also included are items of silver and Chinese porcelain, likewise sourced from the best dealers such as S.J.Phillips and Speelman.

A PAIR OF GEORGE III GILTWOOD AND GILT-GESSO WALL APPLIQUES

CIRCA 1770-80, IN THE MANNER OF ROBERT ADAM

Details

A PAIR OF GEORGE III GILTWOOD AND GILT-GESSO WALL APPLIQUES
CIRCA 1770-80, IN THE MANNER OF ROBERT ADAM
21 in. (53 cm.) high

Provenance

Acquired from Frank Partridge & Sons, 144 - 146 New Bond Street, London, 6 February 1968.

Special notice

Specified lots (sold and unsold) marked with a filled square not collected from Christie’s by 5.00 pm on the day of the sale will, at our option, be removed to Cadogan Tate. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Cadogan Tate Ltd. All collections will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

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